Clothing, fashion

Clothes have always been important for people. In ancient times clothes protected people against cold, frost, rain then later with the development of society clothes became an important sign of people’s social status.

In previous centuries women’s and men’s clothes were totally different. Women wore long skirts, long-sleeved dresses and long hair. Men’s clothes did not differ very much – men wore trousers, shirts and jackets as they do now.

The revolution in clothing began in the second half of the 19th century with the start of the industrial revolution and the invention of the sewing machine that led to the mass production of clothes. Clothes were cheap.

In the 20th century people’s clothing changed rapidly. The two sexes now have more in common. Trousers have become a necessary part of women’s wardrobes.

People have various attitudes to fashion. They go to fashion shows, follow fashion magazines, go to boutiques and are ready to spend a lot of money to be sure they wear the best brand name. Others prefer comfortable clothes. We all need to have different clothes to wear every day and even something special for special occasions.

A women’s wardrobe usually consists of underwear (knickers, bikini briefs, bras, slips), pyjamas, skirts and blouses, jumpers and cardigans, several of trousers and jeans, jackets, suits, anorak, a winter coat, shoes, boots, handbags, gloves, hats, and jewelleris. Summer dresses – shorts and T-shirts, miniskirts and swimming suits. For special occasions women wear cocktail dresses or long evening dresses, high-heeled shoes an jewelleries.

Men’s wardrobes are much simpler and more conservative. A men’s wardrobe consists of underwear, socks, trousers, several suits, an anorak, a trench coat, ties, gloves, hats and a winter coat. For special occasions men wear dark suits, a white shirt, shoes and a tie and sometimes a dinner jacket.

If people go to sports events they mostly wear jeans and T-shirts. At home people prefer casual clothes like old jeans and loose T-shirts.

Dressmaking has become a big business these days. Fashion designers are world famous. The most popular are Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, Vivien Westwood, Kenzo and Donatella Versace.